After having only a limited role with Ryukyu in his first season, Carl Tamayo will play a more significant role this time.
The 6-foot-7 Filipino big man led the defending B.League champions to an 80-63 win over newly-promoted Saga on the opening day of the 2023-24 season on Thursday evening at SAGA Arena.
Tamayo, who had only scored a total of 40 points last season, logged a team-high 30 minutes, finishing with 15 points on 4-of-4 shooting from deep, five rebounds, and two blocks.
The former UP Fighting Maroon, who arrived in Japan last July, also started for the Golden Kings.
Tamayo already had eight points at the half, helping Ryukyu build a 44-34 lead.
Vic Law recorded a double-double for Ryukyu with 17 points and 12 rebounds. Ryuichi Kishimoto and Yoshiyuki Matsuwaki contributed 14 and 13 points, respectively.
The Ballooners were led by Yoeli Childs, who scored 23 points. The two teams will face off again on Saturday.
